The family of Simon Mistriel Aykut, charged with threatening President Nikos Christodoulides, has rejected the accusations, claiming they are politically motivated and alleging authorities are concealing their relative’s health issues.
In a written statement, the family challenged the credibility of the investigation, pointing to inconsistencies in reports about a mobile phone allegedly found in Aykut’s possession, with authorities initially claiming it was found in his cell, then in a prison corridor, before finally stating no phone was discovered.
The case took a dramatic turn on January 27 when Aykut’s lawyer, Maria Neophytou, revealed in court that her client has been diagnosed with cancer.
The diagnosis came from a British doctor who examined Aykut in prison after obtaining permission from legal authorities and prison management.
The revelation contrasts with a December assessment by prison doctor Elena Antoniou, who had declared the 74-year-old to be in good health.
“The concealment of his health condition will go down in the history of the Cyprus Republic and its legal system as a scandal that will remain as a black mark”, the family’s statement said, maintaining Aikout’s innocence since his arrest.
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